Mt. Elbert [Uunchai] - Mi Adventures'23 2023 First 14er Expedition

By Admin

Trail Tales

This adventure marked a significant milestone for the group. To the best of my knowledge, no one in our group had climbed a Colorado 14er before. Attempting to summit Mt. Elbert, the highest 14,000-foot peak in Colorado, with 64 participants was ambitious and unprecedented—making the achievement of 23 people reaching the summit on their first attempt truly remarkable.

Congratulations to all those who summited and to everyone who reached above the treeline (12,000 to 13,000+ feet). Summiting a 14er in Colorado is an unforgettable accomplishment, and for those who didn’t reach the peak this time, the experience will serve as inspiration to try again. Special recognition goes to the youngest hiker, who summited at just 16 years old, and the oldest, who achieved this feat at 65.

Everest Base Camp trek has a gain of ~2,700 feet,
Kilimanjaro’s final push gains ~4,118 feet,
And the Kailash Mansarovar Parikrama has an estimated ~3,000 feet elevation gain in one day.

This Mt. Elbert hike tested everyone’s physical and mental endurance, standing out as one of the toughest and most rewarding high-altitude challenges for the group.

Thank you to everyone who trusted us to organize and coordinate an event of this scale. Your cooperation and team spirit were invaluable. A heartfelt thanks to the leads and co-leads who stepped up to guide and support the group. Your dedication and leadership made a significant difference, and we truly appreciate your efforts.

The group displayed tremendous character, energy, and resilience. It’s worth noting that there were no safety issues or concerns—an achievement in itself. We’re grateful for the encouraging remarks and feedback shared, which motivate us to continue hosting such high-altitude hiking adventures.

Special thanks to Kevin Noe, who traveled to Leadville, Colorado to provide guidance, share tips, motivate the group, and keep spirits high throughout the Mt. Elbert summit hike. Your support was invaluable—thank you, Kevin! We look forward to having you with us on future mountain expeditions.